Mt. Vernon man indicted on federal firearm and drug charges

October 16, 2016

BENTON – A 63-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on firearm and drug charges in a three-count indictment, according to Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

Count 1 of the indictment charges that on June 28, 2016, in Jefferson County, Larry D. Mays was a convicted felon in possession of three separate firearms while in the process of committing three or more “serious drug offenses,” for which he was also convicted.

Count 2 charges that on June 28, 2016, in Jefferson County, Mays knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute marijuana in violation of federal law.

Count 3 charges that on June 28, 2016, in Jefferson County, Mays knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine in violation of federal law.

With respect to Count 1, Mays faces a penalty of 15 years to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years’ supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

With respect to Count 2, Mays faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years following any term of imprisonment.

With respect to Count 3, Mays faces up to 3 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 2 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Narcotics Unit of the Mt. Vernon Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.